This is the edition I would recommend if you want to read this book. The translation is superb with a useful introduction and notes, a usable set of maps and all printed on good quality paper. It also has the Indica which is otherwise hard to come by.

These books are 1900 years old and the reason our forebears have taken the trouble to preserve them is because they're fucking brilliant.

The Anabasis is strictly an account of Alexander's campaigns but you really get a sense of the man; his continuous questioning: "What happens if I attack these people?" "Will they worship me?" "Will the gods sanction this?" "Will I die?" His unthinking aggression. His quest for glory. He reminds me of Julius Caesar; either that or Arrian's style is like Caesar's. A man obviously driven by his own demons (small man syndrome, much?). As the book progresses disturbing elements appear: his war crimes, for example. Ultimately this book is pro-Alexander and when his troops turned him back I felt they had spoilt the pristine glory.

Indica: don't be put off by the opening; an author writing today would use a map. ( )